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The nationwide lockdown in France for 15 days, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on the evening of March 16th, officially took effect at 12:00 PM on March 17th. This is the strongest measure taken by the government in its efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, amidst nearly 6,600 infections and 148 deaths in France.
On national television, which is watched by 35 million people, Macron announced the new measures. His speech repeated six times that "the country is at war." The French president said: "I know what I am asking of you is unprecedented, but circumstances demand it. The enemy is there: it is invisible, elusive, but growing."
The French Prime Minister's speech repeated six times that "the country is in a state of war."
Cafés, bars, restaurants, and non-essential shops in France were ordered to close from midnight on March 14th. Since the lockdown began, all French citizens have been ordered to stay at home and only leave for essential purposes such as grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, medical appointments, or to go to work if remote work is not possible. People are also allowed to go out for exercise, but only within their immediate vicinity and without gathering in large groups.
However, all these reasons must be stated in a mandatory, one-time commitment form. Violators will be fined 38 euros for the first offense and up to 135 euros for repeat offenses, and may even face prosecution in serious cases.
People going out must bring their declaration form.
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said 100,000 police officers would be deployed to enforce the lockdown. Numerous checkpoints have been set up nationwide. Anyone outside must have a permit issued by the Interior Ministry.
Even the famous landmarks in Paris were deserted.
This unprecedented strictness was demonstrated by the number of penalties imposed on the first day. “Since the morning of March 18th, we have begun the controls and 4,095 people have been fined for violating the regulations. The fines have not only increased to 135 euros but could reach 375 euros. This will be a deterrent to people,” Christophe Castaner told TF1 television.
